Manteca: Dangerous Things to Look for in Flood Damage

4/10/2018 (Permalink)

Flood damage is both dangerous and unpredictable, and together, these qualities can create high-risk scenarios in your home even after the disaster has run its course. Homes are susceptible to gas leaks, fires, structural collapse, and other additional disasters even when damage is relatively light, as floodwaters may combine with other prior issues to create much more dangerous situations. One must be alert at all times when entering or inspecting a flood damaged area, so be sure to watch for these early warning signs of serious danger.

Doors that Catch on the Ceiling

One of the most dangerous and difficult to detect dangers in Highland Park flood damage cases is structural instability. It can be difficult to spot where a ceiling or wall is ready to buckle, and too often, it is only after the area has collapsed that anyone realizes the problem. One of the most critical signs of imminent structural collapse may be when doors get stuck on the tops of their frames. As weight causes the frame to sag slightly, the door will not be able to swing as usual. If a door scrapes the top of its frame, don't try to force itself open and be sure to alert a SERVPRO technician.

Unusual Odors

If you have encountered an area with an especially strong smell emanating from within, be sure to tell a SERVPRO technician right away and describe the odor. Smells are the easiest way to identify a potentially deadly gas leak, or perhaps a long-festering spot of mold growth. These odors will usually be foul, but most importantly, they stand out from others. A flooded home does not often smell good in the first place, so what you are mostly looking for is a sudden change in smell.

Cut Cords, Pipes, or Gas Lines

Any sort of line or pipe may be susceptible to oxidation or physical harm during a flood, and these can create serious hazards in your home. If you spot slashed cables, pipes, or anything that might contain a hazardous substance, exercise extreme caution and alert any nearby technicians.